My Articles

Cultured meat has environmental and ethical appeal, but its success depends on far more than technology and economic viability. And Americans won't be readily adopting it soon. The Conversation (Republished at The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune and LA Times), August 23, 2018

Wealthy consumers may have more access to information about food than lower-income earners, but they are just as vulnerable to misinformation and pseudoscience. The Conversation (Republished at PBS NewsHour, Salon, The Chicago Tribune and LA Times), April 13, 2018

Improved access to clean energy can empower women in the developing world. The United States must also foster a more thoughtful culture about how energy policy decisions disproportionately impact women. The Conversation (Reprinted in LA Times and The Chicago Tribune), November 6, 2017

More than one-third of Americans do not know that foods with no genetically modified ingredients contain genes, according to the new nationally representative Food Literacy and Engagement Poll we recently conducted at Michigan State University. The Conversation (Reprinted in The Chicago Tribune and Salon), August 24, 2017

Two timely new books grapple with the dangerous disconnect between expertise, policy-makers, and the public that threatens to undermine scientific progress and American democracy. Science Magazine, April 8, 2017 [Full Text]

Under the right circumstances, kids have the capacity to bring out our best selves, emotionally, chemically and biologically. The Washington Post, October 9, 2016 (Reprinted in The Chicago Tribune and The Sun Sentinel)

The eruption of Mount Tambora two hundred years ago left a surprising and persistent cultural impact, which has influenced our current reticence to deal with anthropogenic climate change.
Earth Magazine, March 9, 2016

As new anthropological research shows the different ways we express love, Kirshenbaum takes a romantic trip through history and around the world.
The Guardian, July 19, 2015 (Reprinted in The Daily Telegraph)

Science has barely begun to study kissing, despite its obvious evolutionary significance, but what we already know demonstrates that there’s a lot more going on than meets the eyes – and lips.
The Conversation, November 22, 2014 (Reprinted in The Washington Post, The Guardian, The National Post, iflscience.com, The Independent and The Daily Mail)

Kids are messy, exhausting and expensive. But when it comes to parenting, scientific evidence proves that the perks for our health and happiness far outweigh the pitfalls.
Spirit (Southwest Airlines Magazine), August 2014

The journal article reporting on findings from the neuroscience experiment conducted in Chapter 10 of Sheril's book, The Science of Kissing. (with co-authors Gregory Cogan, Jeffrey Walker and David Poeppel)
Neuroreport

Only through strong transatlantic relations will there be hope of finding diplomatic solutions to our most pressing international challenges.
German Marshall Fund/NATO Blog, July 18, 2014 - Honorable Mention

Public opinion on energy shapes future policy decisions, but attitudes are not always based on facts alone. Sheril explores recent trends on topics like climate change and renewables.
Global Energy Affairs, A publication of The United Nations, p. 9-10, October, 2013

Energy policies often cross party lines and we must open our eyes to when and where they do. More importantly, we must, at times, be willing to cross party lines along with them.
NPR, October 15, 2012

The World Has A Water Problem

Water may seem ubiquitous and abundant, but that's somewhat of an illusion.
The Austin-American Statesman, May 20, 2012

A Supersized Waste of Energy

At a time when nations around the world are becoming ever more desperate to secure remaining energy reserves, including Canada’s oilsands, it just doesn’t make any sense to be throwing so much of it away.
Ottawa Citizen, May 15, 2012

What leads people to acts of violence and genocide? What triggers empathy and altruism? The answer may be found in the great ape known as the bonobo.
NPR, May 7, 2012

The Giving Sea

Following the lead of Shel Silverstein, who wrote "The Giving Tree" in 1964, Sheril and Michael Webber share a similar story about The Giving Sea. Will the oceans give all before we realize what we've taken?
Earth Magazine, April 2012

If it's true that we cannot improve what we do not measure, then the fact that water R&D hasn't been carefully tracked for the past 50 years is a sign we're not taking it seriously.
Issues in Science and Technology, Spring 2012

Sheril and Michael E. Webber on retooling energy education at universities so that students emerge with an understanding of the complex political, technical, and social issues involved.
The Chronicle of Higher Education, January 22, 2012

The Earth Doesn’t Need To Change, We Do

Although geoengineering seems to promise a climate quick fix, we shouldn’t be experimenting on our only home. At least, not yet.
Ottawa Citizen, December 16, 2011

The Kiss

We celebrate kisses in literature and art. On screen, it’s the moment we’re always waiting for, and the climax of every great love story. And in our own lives, it’s the ultimate way to express how we feel.
Design Mind Magazine, "The Stuff of Life" special TED issue, Fall 2011

Sheril and Michael E. Webber on why retooling the energy system will require a range of experts who understand new technologies and can translate them to the public, while considering the economic drivers necessary for their adoption.
Nature, October 6, 2011

In the 21st century, old friends are virtually at our fingertips, and a seemingly harmless email sent to someone with the innocent intention of “catching up” can quickly go further.
Bloomberg View, July 14, 2011

As we become comfortable talking about sexual violence, there will be less associated shame and marginalization. That is what has to change and by lifting the silence, we move a bit closer to that end.
The National Post, June 24, 2011

More Than Just A Kiss

Amid the chaos of a riot may have been the perfect place for the most universal and humanizing practice we all share, writes Sheril Kirshenbaum.
The Ottawa Citizen, June 20, 2011

The so-called New Atheists are attacking the mantra of science and faith being compatible. Chris and Sheril question the value of confrontation.
The Los Angeles Times, August 11, 2009 (The Guardian, August 24, 2009)
The Formula

Building the ScienceDebate2008 initiative, lessons from the election, and what's needed to create an environment where the public's understanding and appreciation of science policy will make scientists critical in the political process. (with co-author Shawn Lawrence Otto)
Issues In Science And Technology, Winter 2009

Bush's Last Stand Against The Environment

Sounding the alarm as the Bush administration prepares last minute rulemakings to undermine the Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, and other environmental laws. (with co-author Chris Mooney)
Blue Ridge Press, October 10, 2008